Lago de Chapala
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Home to approximately 7,000 U.S. and Canadian permanent expatriate residents and thousands more winter visitors, Lago de Chapala is Mexico’s largest inland lake, about 30 miles from Guadalajara. Scenic and tranquil except when filled with tapatíos (people from Guadalajara) on weekends, Chapala and Ajijic are the main retreats here. These sleepy towns—Ajijic with cobblestones and more the artists’ enclave—are lined with cozy coffee houses, parks, and outdoor markets. The area has become a favorite of foreign retirees since the 1930’s, following Mexican aristocrats who made it their getaway at the end of the last century.

Tourist activities tend to be focused on shopping, eating, and taking lake tours from the launch in Chapala. The lake receded in size early this century as a result of overexploitation. Although water levels had risen again by 2005, it remains an ecological concern.

A boom in the sixties led to the dynamic expatriate life and foreign support network there now. For example, The Lake Chapala Society (LCS). Based in Ajijic (phone: +52-376-766-1140), the LCS offers an English language library, “Newcomers lectures,” Spanish language lessons, and tips on buying homes and staying healthy. Gil Silverman, M.D. (gilsil@laguna.com.mx) a semi-retired pediatrician, psychiatrist, and academic from the United States, is the Coordinator of Professional Medical Affairs for the LCS, regularly offering courses on personal health care to members. Dr. Silverman publishes the Lakeside Medical Guide, a mini health-care directory for Lakeside residents, which lists the medical services and health-care information available in town. This 24-page booklet is available at the LCS information desk.

Because Chapala authorities do little to restrict or limit senior drivers with disabilities (limited eye sight or motor functionality), their leniency has led to some accidents. Therefore, we recommend that drivers exercise caution and not take to the roads unless they are capable and fit.

There are also people practicing medicine here without proper licensing or training. Many of them are foreigners without practicing privileges in Mexico, and are breaking the law. In the case of Mexicans, ask to see their diploma and cédula profesional (license to practice medicine); for non-Mexicans, ask to see their working papers and tax number.